Back for a second stint in Japan, former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine is finding that some things still get lost in translation.
After a 10-game losing streak in the middle of April, Valentine has the Lotte Marines inching toward the .500 mark and looking to move up in the Pacific League standings.
But there are many challenges both on and off the field for the 54-year-old American.
"The language is the real key," said Valentine, who studies Japanese. "Even with an interpreter things get misunderstood. A lot of things here baffle a foreigner like myself, but you just have to adjust to it."
Valentine was adjusting just fine back in 1995 when he guided the Marines to a second-place finish -- the team's best finish in 19 years -- but was abruptly let go by former general manager Tatsuro Hirooka over what was described at the time as a difference of opinion.
Many speculated that Hirooka was envious of Valentine's close relationship with his players. Whatever the reason, after Valentine's departure, the Marines struggled and haven't finished better than fourth.
One area where Valentine won't encounter misunderstanding is fan relations. The Lotte faithful can't get enough of the Stamford, Connecticut native.
Lotte fans were angered after Valentine was sacked by Hirooka and couldn't be happier to see him back.
In a mall next to Chiba Marine Stadium, fans shake hands with a Bobby V. figurine at the Bobby Valentine shrine and listen to a recording of the manager's upbeat message.
But Valentine has a whole new set of challenges to deal with, not least of which is finding a way to keep the Marines healthy.
"We're real thin," he said. "The 10-game losing streak was due to injuries and staying healthy will be key for us this season."
Former Mets players Benny Agbayani and Matt Franco, meanwhile, are starting to show signs of adjusting to Japanese pitchers.
Franco has four homers, a league-leading 11 doubles, 18 RBIs and a solid .343 batting average, while Agbayani has six homers, 22 RBIs and a .257 average.
"Matt and Benny are two guys I knew well," said Valentine. "I knew they could adjust to the situation over here."
Not all former major leaguers can make the transition. Bob Horner, Kevin Mitchell and Mariano Duncan are among several established major leaguers who couldn't adjust to Japan.
Valentine, who managed the Mets from 1996 to 2002 and the Texas Rangers from 1985 to 1992, picked up his 1,200th career victory on Friday.
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